Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre
66 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000
The Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC) is a well-known conference and event venue located in the centre of Sydney’s CBD. It is housed within a notable example of late Brutalist architecture, originally designed in the 1970s and later refurbished to include modern facilities.
The venue is easily accessible by public transport and is situated close to a number of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. In addition to its central location, SMC operates with a focus on sustainability, incorporating environmentally conscious practices in its catering and venue management. The combination of its architectural significance and its use as a flexible event space has made it a frequent choice for both professional and community gatherings.
Visitor Information Centre at Custom House
Located in a historic building along Circular Quay, this centre provides personalised assistance, local tips and a wealth of resources to enhance your Sydney experience.
- Sydney.com: A comprehensive guide to Sydney’s attractions, events, dining and accommodation.
- Time Out Sydney: A great resource for Sydney’s culture, dining experiences and upcoming events.
- The Urban List Sydney: Stay updated on the city’s latest trends, dining spots, shopping and hidden gems.
General Information
Sydney Travel
Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is located 10km north of the International Airport, with a typical 20-minute drive by car. A regular airport-to-city bus service runs from 6:00AM to 9:00PM (not ideal for travelers with large luggage). For any travel inquiries, visit the Travellers Information Desk at the airport.
Weather
June/July is winter in Sydney, with average temperatures ranging from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius. Registrants are advised to pack for cooler conditions, including warm clothing, and be prepared for occasional rain and wind.
Taxi and Uber
A taxi from Sydney Airport to the CBD costs around AUD$60. If you prefer to pre-book your taxi, here are the main taxi companies:
- Taxis Combined: Phone: 13 33 00, Website: www.taxiscombined.com.au
- Legion Cabs: Phone: 13 14 51, Website: www.legioncabs.com.au
- Premier Cabs: Phone: 13 10 17, Website: www.premiercabs.com.au
- Silver Service: Phone: 13 31 00, Website: www.silverservice.com.au
You can also request an Uber ride from either the domestic or international terminal. Uber pickup areas are clearly signposted at each terminal, and the app will provide step-by-step directions to your designated pickup location once your ride is requested. Travel time to the Sydney CBD is typically 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares generally ranging from AUD $35–$75, including airport access fees. For added convenience, Uber offers a Reserve option, allowing you to pre-book your ride in advance. For more information on Uber, please see here.
Train
Both the domestic and international terminals have train stations. Trains depart every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the domestic terminal, it takes 15 minutes to Central Station and 20 minutes to Circular Quay; the journey from the international terminal is only slightly longer. Lifts are available for easy luggage transfer. For more information on train schedules and prices, visit here.
Time
Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time.
Shopping
Shops in Sydney typically open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM during the week, with late-night shopping until 9:00PM on Thursdays. On Saturdays, most shops open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, and Sunday trading hours are usually from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.
Banking and Currency
Australia uses decimal currency, with the Australian dollar (AUD) as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Banknotes are in denominations of A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10, and A$5, while coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1, and A$2. Currency exchange services are available at banks, hotels, and airports. Credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, are widely accepted at most establishments.
Passport and Immigration (Visa)
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa. For visa information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website. When you register for the congress and make your payment, you will receive an email with a visa welcome letter to support your visa application. If you don’t receive it, please contact the Congress Managers at register.wcoc2026@arinexgroup.com.
It is recommended to submit your Australian visa application at least two months prior to your departure.

